Anxiety Disorders: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Question 1

Which of the following is the most prevalent type of anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Answer

Panic disorder

Answer

Social anxiety disorder

Answer

Phobia-specific disorders

Question 2

Which key feature characterizes generalized anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry about everyday events

Answer

Recurrent panic attacks

Answer

Avoidance of specific situations

Answer

Intrusive thoughts

Question 3

Which neurotransmitter system is implicated in the pathophysiology of panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Noradrenergic system

Answer

Serotonergic system

Answer

GABAergic system

Answer

Dopaminergic system

Question 4

Which statement accurately describes anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

They are the most common mental health disorders in the US

Answer

They can be cured with medication alone

Answer

They have no significant impact on quality of life

Answer

They typically develop in childhood

Question 5

In the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders, how does the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis contribute?

Accepted Answer

When activated by stress, the HPA axis releases hormones that prepare the body to respond to threats.

Answer

The HPA axis only responds to physical stressors.

Answer

The HPA axis does not play a role in the development of anxiety disorders.

Answer

The HPA axis is only activated in individuals with anxiety disorders.

Question 6

Revised Question: Which of the following is a defining characteristic of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Intense and persistent worry about various aspects of life

Answer

Recurring episodes of overwhelming panic and terror

Answer

Avoidance of certain situations or objects due to excessive fear

Answer

Obsessive thoughts or images that intrude upon daily life

Question 7

Revised Question: Panic disorder is distinguished by:

Accepted Answer

Abrupt, unexpected episodes of intense panic

Answer

Excessive worry about future events

Answer

Avoidance of social gatherings

Answer

Repetitive rituals, such as excessive handwashing or checking

Question 8

Revised Question: Among psychological therapies, which approach has demonstrated effectiveness in treating anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Client-centered therapy

Answer

Existential therapy

Question 9

Revised Question: Benzodiazepines are widely used to relieve anxiety symptoms because they:

Accepted Answer

Block the reuptake of GABA

Answer

Promote the release of serotonin

Answer

Counteract the effects of dopamine

Answer

Stimulate the release of acetylcholine

Question 10

Revised Question: Which of the following is recognized as a risk factor for developing an anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Combination of the above

Answer

Family history of anxiety

Answer

Exposure to traumatic events

Answer

Excessive caffeine consumption

Question 11

Revised Question: The most commonly employed diagnostic tool for assessing anxiety disorders is:

Accepted Answer

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)

Answer

International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11)

Answer

Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale

Answer

Beck Anxiety Inventory

Question 12

Revised Question: Comorbidity of anxiety disorders frequently occurs with:

Accepted Answer

Combination of the above

Answer

Mood disorders

Answer

Substance use disorders

Answer

Somatic symptom disorders

Question 13

Revised Question: Which of the following interventions is generally NOT recommended for managing anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Complete avoidance of anxiety-provoking situations

Answer

Mindfulness-based stress reduction

Answer

Deep breathing exercises

Answer

Regular physical exercise

Question 14

Revised Question: According to the DSM-5, which criteria are essential for a diagnosis of panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Combination of the above

Answer

At least one unexpected panic attack per month

Answer

Persistent worry about having future panic attacks

Answer

Significant lifestyle alterations due to fear of panic attacks

Question 15

In managing anxiety disorders, why is it essential to employ a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions?

Accepted Answer

To maximize symptom reduction through synergistic effects.

Answer

To minimize the risk of adverse reactions.

Answer

To enhance patient adherence to the treatment plan.

Answer

To reduce overall healthcare expenses.

Question 16

Identify the neurotransmitter primarily associated with the pathophysiology of generalized anxiety disorder:

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

GABA

Question 17

Which of the following is a hallmark symptom of panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort

Answer

Excessive worry about multiple topics

Answer

Constant muscle tension

Answer

Unwanted intrusive thoughts or images

Question 18

Which pharmacological treatment is typically not used for anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine agonists

Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Question 19

What is the primary objective of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

To alter maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors

Answer

To gradually increase exposure to feared situations

Answer

To administer medications to regulate neurotransmitter levels

Answer

To provide emotional support and validation

Question 20

Which brain region plays a crucial role in processing and regulating fear and anxiety responses?

Accepted Answer

Amygdala

Answer

Hippocampus

Answer

Prefrontal cortex

Answer

Basal ganglia

Question 21

Identify the key diagnostic criterion for generalized anxiety disorder:

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry on most days for at least 6 months

Answer

Recurrent panic attacks

Answer

Compulsive rituals or thoughts

Answer

Avoidance of social settings

Question 22

Which symptom is not typically associated with social anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Unwanted thoughts about past social experiences

Answer

Fear of being judged or embarrassed

Answer

Excessive blushing or sweating in social situations

Answer

Intense avoidance of social interactions

Question 23

What is a hallmark symptom of generalized anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Excessive and persistent worry about various events

Answer

Sudden and recurrent panic attacks

Answer

Obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors

Answer

Disorganized speech and thought patterns

Question 24

Which diagnostic manual is specifically designed to assess and diagnose anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)

Answer

International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-11)

Answer

Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale

Answer

Beck Depression Inventory

Question 25

Which type of therapy involves gradually exposing individuals to feared situations in a controlled setting to reduce anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Interpersonal therapy

Answer

Humanistic therapy

Question 26

Which neuroimaging technique is commonly used to examine brain activity patterns associated with anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Answer

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Answer

Computed tomography (CT) scan

Answer

X-ray

Question 27

According to the biopsychosocial model, which factor is NOT considered in the development of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Socioeconomic status

Answer

Genetic predisposition

Answer

Cognitive and behavioral patterns

Answer

Environmental and cultural factors

Question 28

Which neural circuitry is primarily responsible for processing fear and anxiety responses?

Accepted Answer

Limbic system

Answer

Prefrontal cortex

Answer

Basal ganglia

Answer

Cerebellum

Question 29

What is a key feature that distinguishes generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

GAD involves excessive, uncontrollable worry, while OCD involves persistent, intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors.

Answer

GAD is more common in women, while OCD affects men and women equally.

Answer

GAD typically develops later in life compared to OCD.

Answer

GAD always includes physical symptoms, while OCD does not.

Question 30

Which symptom is a core feature of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry and difficulty controlling it

Answer

Recurrent panic attacks

Answer

Persistent avoidance of specific situations

Answer

Intrusive thoughts or images

Question 31

In the pathophysiology of panic disorder, which neurochemical system is primarily implicated?

Accepted Answer

Noradrenergic system

Answer

Dopaminergic system

Answer

Serotonergic system

Answer

GABAergic system

Question 32

In the treatment of anxiety disorders, which cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) technique is frequently employed?

Accepted Answer

Exposure and response prevention

Answer

Pharmacotherapy

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy

Answer

Deep brain stimulation

Question 33

When using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants to treat anxiety disorders, which is a potential side effect?

Accepted Answer

Sexual dysfunction

Answer

Weight gain

Answer

Increased risk of seizures

Answer

Hypertension

Question 34

What is the main objective of pharmacological treatment for anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Reduction in symptom severity

Answer

Complete elimination of symptoms

Answer

Prevention of relapse

Answer

Enhancement of quality of life

Question 35

How do panic attacks differ from panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Panic disorder involves both panic attacks and persistent worry about future attacks.

Answer

Panic attacks are isolated events, whereas panic disorder is a chronic condition.

Answer

Panic attacks are triggered by specific situations, whereas panic disorder is not.

Answer

There is no distinction between panic attacks and panic disorder.

Question 36

Which of the following is a primary characteristic of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive and uncontrollable worry

Answer

Recurring panic attacks

Answer

Intrusive thoughts or compulsive behaviors

Answer

Avoidance of specific situations or objects

Question 37

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), what is the minimum duration of symptoms required for a diagnosis of panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

3 months

Answer

1 month

Answer

6 months

Answer

1 year

Question 38

Which of the following is a first-line medication option for both GAD and panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Answer

Antipsychotics

Question 39

Which type of psychotherapy is specifically tailored to the treatment of panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Exposure and response prevention (ERP)

Answer

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

Question 40

Which condition is most frequently comorbid with anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Depression

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Answer

Substance use disorder

Answer

Eating disorder

Question 41

What is the primary objective of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

To challenge and modify maladaptive thoughts and behaviors

Answer

To increase positive emotions and self-esteem

Answer

To reduce physiological arousal

Answer

To improve social functioning

Question 42

Which of the following is a hallmark symptom of generalized anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Excessive and persistent worry about a variety of topics

Answer

Recurrent and unexpected panic attacks

Answer

Compulsive hand washing and excessive fear of contamination

Answer

Intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors

Question 43

Which neurotransmitter is primarily implicated in the neurobiology of panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

GABA

Question 44

Which class of medication is considered the first-line pharmacological treatment for generalized anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Antipsychotics

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants

Question 45

What is a key characteristic that distinguishes panic disorder from other anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Presence of recurrent, unexpected, and intense fear or discomfort

Answer

Excessive, uncontrollable, and persistent worry about future events

Answer

Avoidance of specific situations or objects due to intense fear

Answer

Intrusive and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges

Question 46

Which type of therapy has been empirically supported as particularly effective for anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Humanistic therapy

Answer

Dialectical behavioral therapy

Question 47

Which brain structure plays a primary role in processing fear and threat stimuli?

Accepted Answer

Amygdala

Answer

Hippocampus

Answer

Prefrontal cortex

Answer

Thalamus

Question 48

Which genetic variant has been associated with an increased susceptibility to developing generalized anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

5-HTTLPR polymorphism

Answer

COMT polymorphism

Answer

DRD2 polymorphism

Answer

MAO-A polymorphism

Question 49

What is the recommended initial approach for diagnosing anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Using structured clinical interviews with a mental health professional

Answer

Completing self-report questionnaires

Answer

Undergoing neuroimaging scans

Answer

Ordering blood tests

Question 50

Which of the following is NOT a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) technique used in the treatment of GAD?

Accepted Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Exposure therapy

Answer

Mindfulness-based meditation

Answer

Cognitive restructuring

Question 51

In the context of panic disorder, which of the following medications would be MOST likely to be prescribed as a first-line treatment?

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants

Answer

Buspirone

Question 52

In the context of exposure therapy for anxiety disorders, which of the following is NOT a key goal?

Accepted Answer

Medication adherence

Answer

Symptom reduction

Answer

Gradual exposure to feared stimuli

Answer

Cognitive restructuring

Question 53

Which of the following is a physical symptom commonly experienced by individuals with anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Tachycardia

Answer

Muscle weakness

Answer

Seizures

Answer

Hallucinations

Question 54

Which of the following is a key risk factor for developing anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Family history of anxiety

Answer

Advanced age

Answer

High socioeconomic status

Question 55

Which of the following assessment tools is used to screen for anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Beck Anxiety Inventory

Answer

Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale

Answer

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory

Answer

Electroencephalogram